Former U.S. Diplomat Sonnet Frisbie Returns to Kurdistan After a Decade, Praises Progress and Coexistence

By Dler Mohammed

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — A decade after serving as the Economic and Commercial Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil during the height of the ISIS conflict, Sonnet Frisbie, now Deputy Head of Political Intelligence at Morning Consult, has returned to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This time, her visit is marked by peace, reflection, and renewed admiration as she attended Kurdistan’s first-ever National Prayer Breakfast.

In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24 English, Frisbie, a former U.S. diplomat, expressed her deep appreciation for the remarkable transformation the Kurdistan Region has undergone since her last visit in 2015 — especially in terms of urban development, economic growth, and a newfound sense of stability.

“It was a very hectic time both for the consulate and of course, for the people in Erbil and the Kurdistan Region,” she said, recalling how her first assignment in Erbil began just two weeks after ISIS overran Mosul. Her year-long post was defined by security restrictions, limited mobility, and the looming threat of violence. “I’ve been able to do simple things on this trip — sit downtown, drink tea, take photos of the Citadel — things I couldn't do ten years ago.”

Frisbie noted vast improvements in infrastructure and public services, including a new electricity scheme and visible foreign investment, while also observing an encouraging trend: more young people are choosing to stay in the Kurdistan Region to pursue their futures.

Reflecting on her time at the consulate, she recounted both the challenges of working under security constraints and the warmth of Kurdish hospitality. “Despite the difficult circumstances, I have fond memories — the food, the people, the celebrations. I remember being invited to weddings, Easter in Ankawa, and learning to make strong Kurdish tea.”

Frisbie’s latest visit coincided with the First Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast Day, where religious leaders and dignitaries from across the spectrum came together in a powerful display of unity and mutual respect. The event brought together figures including President Masoud Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, President Nechirvan Barzani, and religious representatives from diverse communities — Yazidis, Kakais, Christians, and more — alongside international guests and diplomats.

“It was inspiring to witness such diversity represented at one table,” she said. “Events like this are powerful reminders of the importance of face-to-face dialogue in international relations. They break stereotypes, build new relationships, and reaffirm commitments to freedom and coexistence.”

Frisbie also paid tribute to the memory of Pope Francis, whose recent passing was acknowledged throughout the event. “His legacy of tolerance and bridge-building resonated strongly with the messages shared.”

As for the youth of Kurdistan, Frisbie offered a heartfelt message: “You come from a special place — even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Invest in your future, in education and skills, and know that the world is noticing the positive changes happening here.”

Looking ahead, she affirmed her intention to return to Kurdistan, this time as a visitor with more freedom to explore. “I want to hike in the mountains, visit Shanidar Cave… this visit has reminded me that the future is full of unexpected opportunities.”

Full Transcript of the Interview:

Q1: How does it feel to return to the Kurdistan Region after ten years?

A: It’s a bit surreal! I keep pinching myself to make sure I am really here, and also asking myself why it took so long to come back. I arrived at work at the U.S. consulate in Erbil in June 2014, two weeks after Daesh took Mosul. I stayed for one year. I should say that I left the U.S. State Department three years ago, so all of my views are only my own, not official U.S. government positions, nor those of my new employer. 

Q2: What are some of the most noticeable changes you have observed in the Kurdistan Region since your last time here?

A: So much has changed! First of all, the security situation is very different. I have been able to do simple things like sit downtown to drink tea and take pictures of the citadel, which I was not able to do before. The organizers of our event also arranged an excursion to Lalesh and Hormizd monastery, which I had also not been able to visit when I was here before, since we could only travel for work events.

The city itself has also changed. Driving around the city, I see so many new buildings and ongoing construction. Whole parts of the city are completely new. I see more foreign investment, franchises, and evidence of growth. I learned of the new electricity scheme and saw evidence in a home I visited in a new part of the city where the neighborhood did not have a generator. 

There is greater optimism. I met people who had emigrated, but then came back to the Kurdistan region, and I spoke with people I know who wanted to emigrate due to the situation, but have now decided to stay. Their children are planning their futures and looking at education and jobs here. This fact must be so inspiring for those who are working to improve the situation every day. 

Some things have also not changed that much. I see many of the same faces in politics that I worked with when I was here 10 years ago. The welcoming atmosphere towards Westerners is still present, and oil is still the key component of the economy, with all that this entails. 

Q3: Could you share a few memories from your time working at the American Consulate in Erbil?

A: It was a very hectic time both for the consulate and, of course, for the people in Erbil and in the Kurdistan Region. I was hired to work on economic and commercial issues, but the business environment was very difficult at that time, as many businesses – especially foreign businesses – either left or reduced their investments and staff. The security situation at the time was of course also very different. Despite feeling quite safe in Erbil in general, there was a car bomb targeting our consulate in April 2015, which many readers will remember. No consulate employees were hurt, but three civilians were tragically killed. 

Because of the threat from Daesh, the entire year I was in Erbil, our movements were very restricted, and so I left Iraq with the regret of not having seen very many of the amazing sights or being able to spend as much time with new friends as I wished. 

Still, I made very fond memories. I loved the food. We would order from local restaurants, or our Iraqi work colleagues would cook for us. I particularly like Tepsi and Masgouf, and Baklava for dessert. I remember learning to make the strong tea like you drink it here, and enjoying tea at all of our meetings at the local ministries. One very pleasant memory was an event at the citadel where we learned about the tradition of Kurdish rug weaving that was endangered when the small villages where women would teach their daughters the craft were destroyed by Saddam Hussein in the Anfal. It was inspiring to see how they were trying to revive the art and teach the next generation their specific patterns. People always welcomed me: whether it was being invited to a wedding or to celebrate Easter with Christians in Ankawa. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to come back now. 

Q4: You attended the First Kurdistan National Prayer Breakfast Day. What are your impressions of the event?

A: This is my first prayer breakfast, so I didn’t have any idea what to expect. The venue and organization were admirable, and there were so many important people. Of course, there were religious patriarchs and representatives – Kakais, Yazidis, Assyrian Church of the East, Chaldean Catholic Church, Syriac Orthodox, etc. – showing the diversity of religions in the Kurdistan region.  There were also many politicians from the Kurdistan Region, including President Masoud Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Minister of Transportation Ano Jawhar Abdulmaseeh Abdoka, and Former Iraqi President Barham Salih, among many others. The foreign delegation also included many politicians, such as members of parliament and the former Prime Minister of Slovakia. I also met many interesting people among the guests, both locals and foreigners. I believe it is a specific type of person who will take time out of their usual routine to come and pray for peace with people of other faiths. 

It was very nice to hear from religious leaders and patriarchs all supporting ecumenical understanding and religious coexistence. This message was especially poignant given the recent passing of Pope Francis, and there were many homages to his legacy of tolerance and bridge-building. 

Q5: In your view, how important are gatherings like the Prayer Breakfast for promoting unity, dialogue, and understanding in Kurdistan and strengthening relationships between Kurdistan and the international community?

A: As a former diplomat, I know that at the end of the day, all lofty notions of international relations ultimately come down to people meeting face to face. Many of the other foreign visitors on the trip expressed to me their amazement with everything they saw, and said it defied many stereotypes they had about Iraq and the Middle East. I feel sure this event will be a catalyst for new relationships, whether personal, political, or business. I think it is also a clear commitment from the regional government to continue to reinforce individual freedoms and to continue dialogue on these topics with internal and external voices. 

Q6: What message would you like to share with the people of the Kurdistan Region, especially the younger generation, as they continue to build their future?

A: Jesus said, “A prophet is without honor in his own country,” referring to how it is hard to see as special something that is familiar. As a young person, I had trouble seeing anything special about my hometown and region. It is only later that I grew to appreciate its uniqueness. I would tell the people of the Kurdistan region, and especially the young people, that you are from a special place, even if perhaps you do not realize it. I mentioned that I have seen how more young people can picture a future here. I hope the investments in education and skills grow so that this trend will continue. 

Q7: Would you consider returning again or even contributing in some way to the development of the Kurdistan Region in the future?

A: I will certainly return, and hopefully for longer next time! I would like to do some hiking in the mountains and visit the Shanidar cave. While I don’t know what my contribution to the region’s development might be, the chance to come to this prayer breakfast has taught me that you never know what the future holds!